Newton's Carroll Center For The Blind Aims To Raise $18 Million Over 5 Years

NEWTON, MA — The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at raising $18 million over the next five years as it prepares for an expected surge in demand for vision loss programs due to changing demographic and health trends.

"Since our founding we have been a leader in serving the blind and visually impaired, helping generations of people acquire the tools they need to live full, independent and successful lives," said Carol A. Covell, Chair of the Carroll Center’s Board of Directors. "Now we are creating an opportunity for the community to help us make a significant impact for generations to come."

The Center said the number of Americans who are blind or visually impaired is expected to rise to an estimated 25 million by 2050 due to the aging population and health-related trends.

The campaign received an early boost from the family of the late John Cataldo, a Boston-area commercial real estate developer whose donations have totaled $3 million. Cataldo passed away in April 2023.

"John had an unbridled generosity, but it was his sincere kindness that shined at each memorable encounter we had with him," Carroll Center President and CEO Greg Donnelly said. "With his transformative gift, which will significantly increase our endowment and also enable us to meet growing demand for our vision rehabilitation and education services, John Cataldo leaves a tremendous legacy of dedication and commitment to the Carroll Center."

The Carroll Center will establish the John and Elaine Cataldo Orientation, Mobility and Wellness Trail, an instructional training path on its campus in Newton. The trail will serve as an innovative tool for teaching white cane, guide dog and navigational techniques to help people improve their ability to confidently navigate the communities where they live and work.

The Carroll Center for the Blind was established in 1936 as the Catholic Guild for All the Blind. Father Thomas Carroll, known for aiding World War II veterans blinded in battle, was one of the founders and served as its first director.

Each year, the Carroll Center serves many seniors who are losing their vision for age-related reasons with orientation and mobility instruction in their own homes and continues to provide a historic and impactful low-vision program.

The Carroll Center serves up to 78 percent of the blind student population in Massachusetts annually.

Those looking to contribute to the campaign can gain more information on how to do so here.